11/18/2023
This week we have joined tens of thousands around Columbus mourning the passing of our friend Roshelle Pate, known by many as The Food Soldier. Roshelle was a deeply valued partner of the CFC, a woman who would stop at nothing to provide for those she served, and someone who inspired much of our work over the past several years. She conceived and led our first community-based primary care clinics, bringing medical services to clients at her pantry, whom she was so fiercely devoted to. She helped to host events to bring services to new and expecting mothers, and kids about to start school. Roshelle was a true soldier of her community, and just as importantly, she was a great friend to many of us.
Roshelle was truly gifted, and we can all stand to learn a thing or two (or ten) from the incredible woman she was. Service to one's community isn't about flash or recognition, it's about grit. It's about showing up again and again, especially on the days when others do not, to ensure those in need are met with an eager smile. Service is about building bridges, it's about getting to know your neighbors and investing in one another because as a community, we all succeed or fail together. Roshelle lived these truths every day, setting an example and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. You could always rely on a wide smile and a "HEY!!" every time you walked through the doors of her pantry.
And so, our message is one of grief, but also celebration; celebration of a shining beacon of a woman who devoted her life to making our city a better place to live. As we endure the reverberations of her passing, we hope it's felt by all who knew her as a call to service, to pick up her mantle and live our lives in her image, in service of one another.
Rest in Peace to a truly wonderful woman. We will not forget you.
The celebration of life for Roshelle is November 29th, 2023 at New Birth Ministries at 3475 Refugee Road. Public visitation will run from 9-11am and services will begin at 11am. We encourage all friends of the CFC to attend and pay their respects.
